Mets' K-Rod released without bail

Thu, 08/12/2010 - 5:11pm — Jerry Spar

Mets closer Francisco Rodriguez was released without bail Thursday and ordered to stay away from his girlfriend's father after allegedly attacking the man outside a family lounge at Citi Field Wednesday night. Rodriguez was arrested and charged with third-degree assault, which led to the team suspending him. He is on the restricted list without pay for two days, costing him $125,683.

Rodriguez, 28, is accsued of grabbing 53-year-old Carlos Pena, hitting him in the face and banging his head against a wall following the Mets' 6-2 loss to the Rockies.

"Ownership and the organization are very disappointed in Francisco's inappropriate behavior and we take this matter very seriously," Mets chief operating officer Jeff Wilpon said.

Rodriguez, who signed a $37 million, three-year contract with the Mets in 2008 after saving a record 62 games for the Angels, is 4-2 with 25 saves and a 2.24 ERA this season. He has had confrontations with a team official, a coach and an opponent in his 1 1/2 seasons with the Mets.